(1) The STEM board shall:
(a) establish the STEM Action Center to:
(i) coordinate STEM activities in the state among the following stakeholders:
(A) the State Board of Education;
(B) school districts and charter schools;
(C) the Utah Board of Higher Education;
(D) institutions of higher education;
(E) private postsecondary educational institution;
(F) parents of home-schooled students;
(G) other state agencies; and
(H) business and industry representatives;
(ii) align public education STEM activities with higher education STEM activities; and
(iii) create and coordinate best practices among public education and higher education;
(b) with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a director to oversee the administration of the STEM Action Center;
(c) select a physical location for the STEM Action Center;
(d) strategically engage industry and business entities to cooperate with the STEM board:
(i) to support high quality professional development and provide other assistance for educators and students; and
(ii) to provide private funding and support for the STEM Action Center;
(e) give direction to the STEM Action Center and the providers selected through a request for proposals process pursuant to this part; and
(f) work to meet the following expectations:
(i) that at least 50 educators are implementing best practice learning tools in classrooms;
(ii) performance change in student achievement in each classroom participating in a STEM Action Center project; and
(iii) that students from at least 50 schools in the state participate in the STEM competitions, fairs, and camps described in Subsection 9-22-106(2)(d).
(2) The STEM board may:
(a) enter into contracts for the purposes of this part;
(b) apply for, receive, and disburse funds, contributions, or grants from any source for the purposes set forth in this part;
(c) employ, compensate, and prescribe the duties and powers of individuals necessary to execute the duties and powers of the STEM board;
(d) prescribe the duties and powers of the STEM Action Center providers; and
(e) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules to administer this part.
(3) The STEM board may establish a foundation to assist in:
(a) the development and implementation of the programs authorized under this part to promote STEM education; and
(b) implementation of other STEM education objectives described in this part.
(4) A foundation established by the STEM board under Subsection (3):
(a) may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization for STEM education objectives described in this part;
(b) shall comply with the requirements described in Section 9-22-105;
(c) does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that constitute a claim against public funds;
(d) may not exercise executive or administrative authority over the programs or other activities described in this part, except to the extent specifically authorized by the STEM board;
(e) shall provide the STEM board with information detailing transactions and balances associated with the foundation; and
(f) may not:
(i) engage in lobbying activities;
(ii) attempt to influence legislation; or
(iii) participate in any campaign activity for or against:
(A) a political candidate; or
(B) an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other ballot proposition submitted to the voters.